The Corrupt Trilogy

by Penelope L'Amoreaux

  "Should I take you home?" He asked gently, not knowing what else to say. Wanting to say everything. Too afraid of scaring her more.

  "Yes, please." Her voice was a meek whisper. Simon pulled away from the police lines, tape, and chaos surrounding his father's house. He knew it would be the last time--he'd never have to return to the estate again.

  When he parked in front of her house, he slipped out and went to her door, opening it for her. It felt natural to him. In another life, maybe, he could have just been a gentleman, spoiling her at every opportunity. As it was, he felt the metal taste of sorrow and goodbye in his mouth. After all, without the police, without the maelstrom, she couldn't possibly mean what she'd said.

  She'd want him to leave and damn it, for once he was going to do it.

  "I--" she started and then stopped, searching for the right words. "I need to know everything first. I need to understand what just happened."

  "Right now?"

  "Yes."

  So he told her, standing in her driveway, the yellow light of her porch lamp illuminating the 'for-sale' sign stuck haphazardly in front. This tiny apartment that he knew so well.

  He told her about the training. The work he'd done for Walter. He started to tell her about the murders and stopped, unable to admit the truth out loud. He'd been so arrogant, so cocky about it. So proud of how 'good' he was at his job. Disgusting.

  Simon admitted that he'd threatened to break the story about her to ruin Roger. He told her about how his bitterness from when they were teens made it easy to wallow in the destruction. And he admitted to watching her. All of those years. That, that was the admission that cut the most. With each word of it he felt as if he was slicing off layer after layer of himself and handing it to her, not knowing what she'd do with it.

  "You've been stalking me." Her voice sounded dull. This was it. This was the moment she left him, telling him never to return to her world again.

  "Yes. I told myself I was protecting you, but it's been going on since my training, long before the scandal with Roger."

  "Did you tap my phone?" She asked, sounding clinical and cold.

  "No."

  "Did you bug my house or put cameras inside?"

  "No."

  "Did you watch me get naked?" Her voice cracked on this one.

  "No." And he hadn't, but had no way of proving it to her.

  "But you could have. You could have done any and all of those things?"

  "Yes, easily."

  It was the early hours of A.M. in Richmond. There was just enough light pollution the stars weren't fully visible, but the moon was generous and full. Its light spilled down on them and Simon couldn't help but admire how it made Jessica ethereally beautiful. Her red locks became dark and tumbled in the soft light and her skin luminescent.

  "We better get inside. I'm so tired," she said finally, turning toward her door.

  She'd gotten it open before she turned. Simon met her stare, his own still trying to comprehend what was happening. "Aren't you coming in? It's a long drive back to D.C. We should sleep instead."

  He followed her in.

  Chapter Fifteen

  An emotional revolution. That's what Jessica was to Simon. Most of his life had been spent shoving emotions down, compartmentalizing them, and avoiding them. Whatever he felt tended to be overwhelming and negative. He'd allowed rage to fuel him, obsession to guide his decisions, and self pity to justify his actions, on the rare occasion he examined his life.

  Jessica, though, she was a balm. She started by drawing out the negative. They spent weeks in her apartment, in her bed, and she let him take all his frustrations out on her body. He'd spanked, flogged, whipped, tied, and choked her in a seemingly endless cycle of need for control and release. It had been therapy through ecstasy, and it helped him to rebuild himself. When the sex became purely a game of domination and pleasure, he found the tiniest seeds of love growing within himself.

  He spoke his love with his body -- showing her how she'd transformed him. Kisses that were sometimes sweet and sometimes possessive. He wrote the story of his passion on her skin and whispered it in her ears.

  Simon thought he'd been in love with Jessica before, but he realized he'd been in love with the idea of her. Of that fourteen year old girl that he'd wanted so desperately to make his. He'd been in love with the feeling of triumph for "winning" her from Roger. He'd been in love with the image of being the man who came in and swept her off of her feet.

  Well, that last one had been true.

  They sat in her kitchen eating pancakes. She was wearing his tee shirt and nothing else. It was sexier than any lingerie could ever be.

  "What's next?" She asked, mouth half-full and syrup dripping a bit from her lip.

  "What do you mean?" He reached out and brushed the drip away, licking his finger after.

  She shifted in her chair, leaning closer to him. "We've been hiding here for weeks. Not that I mind, of course," she began to blush a little. He delighted in how quickly she showed her embarrassment. After a world of liars and cheats, being with someone who wore their emotions openly was refreshing. "So it isn't that I'm bored, but we can't do this our whole lives."

  "Do you want to travel?" He asked. "We could buy one of those around-the-world plane tickets. You've never really left Richmond. Let's go see the whole fucking planet."

  One thing that hadn't gotten better with her was his swearing. He'd probably always have a fucking foul mouth, but he could live with it. It seemed she could as well.

  Her nose scrunched as she laughed. He felt like he was floating. He still had a difficult time reconciling the man he was with her and the man he'd been forced to be for so long. "Sure, we could do that. I was thinking more about work, though."

  Ah, yes.

  Agent Mike Johnston had offered him a job. He had gained a promotion through catching Walter, Weinstein, and Baldur. Not only had he put an end to a majorly corrupt influence on American politics, but the arms selling had been larger than they'd known. The downside was that Walter's billions in wealth had mostly been seized. The three Taylor brothers found themselves mere millionaires. Boo fucking hoo, he thought. He still had enough wealth to cover him for a lifetime.

  Mike did find a way to prove how thankful he was-- he'd had any files on Simon expunged and a new one started.

  Simon Stills didn't exist anymore.

  Simon Taylor, though, was eating breakfast with the love of his life. "What do you want to do?"

  She thought about it, chewing. "I think I want to open a bookstore."

  It didn't surprise him. After living with her, he'd found she wasn't just a book enthusiast-- she was a book hoarder. She lived modestly with the money Walter had given her so that she could spend the majority of it on rare and first editions, signed copies, and leather bound editions so beautiful neither of them wanted to touch them. The woman loved fucking books.

  "You know how hard it is for independent bookstores to survive now, right?"

  She shrugged. "Sure. But we could specialize in rare volumes or something."

  “I thought you were writing a book,” he mused. “A spy novel, if I remember correctly.”

  Jessica scrunched her face in distaste. “No. No more thrillers or spies for me.”

  "Would you want to open here in Richmond?"

  Jessica shook her head, red curls tumbling over her shoulders. "No, I think in D.C. So we can spend more time with Amanda and your family."

  The sound of that would have been a nightmare before. But he found that new Simon was open to the idea of family. Real family, without debts or commands. Just laughs and, knowing Dallas, maybe a small fist fight or two. Just for fun, of course.

  ~ ~ ~ ~

  "Nice place," Roger commented. Paige was already there, pouring champagne into the crystal glasses that had been their housewarming gift to Simon and Jess.

  It was, too. Definitely an expensive apartment, but still modest. Two bedrooms, a large kitchen, and windows that
showed a quaint side neighborhood. Traffic, sure, but they were also within walking distance of the Metro. The best part, though, was that the apartment rested on top of the storefront they'd also purchased.

  "Corrupt Literature" had been Jessica's joking stab at him. The bookstore was a specialty store, but it was more special interest. She'd opened a joint sex store and book store featuring exotic literature, antiques that featured the more erotic displays of human nature, and a few toys to boot. When she'd first mentioned it Simon had been appalled. He felt as if this private part of their lives was going to be on display.

  Instead, she'd managed to make it classy and educational. And Roger hadn't even been mad. Once he'd stated that Simon Taylor was his half brother, Simon had been under scrutiny for awhile. Thanks to Agent Mike, though, he came off clean as a whistle. Like Dallas and Roger, just another good-looking Taylor.

  There had been some feathers ruffled when Jessica had unveiled her store, but only with opponents. Roger, however, laughed it off. He'd made this amazing speech about what freedom meant for our country-- it meant respecting and protecting not just the activities and values we held closest, but the ones others held that we didn't necessarily share. Simon and Dallas, of course, joked that Roger had his own special interests he wanted to protect. Paige had overheard them and turned a furious shade of red.

  So now Simon and Jessica were celebrating a new home with Roger Taylor, Vice Presidential nominee, and his stunning wife, Paige. Roger was busy-- they were about to jump into the difficult run for the October election, but they seemed carefree enough as everyone clinked glasses.

  "Where's Dallas and Mariel?" Jessica asked. She was eyeing the food more than her champagne but too polite to begin eating when everyone wasn't there.

  Simon smiled, "He's just gotta get something he owes me."

  As if on cue, there was a roaring outside of the open windows. They moved over and looked down onto the street. A flaming red Ferrari pulled up, windows down, engine humming. As it shut off, three people crawled out of it. Dallas had the keys twirling on a finger. Mariel and Simon's niece, Amanda, stepped out giggling and finger combing each other's hair into place.

  Jessica blanched. "When did Dallas start driving that car? With my daughter inside?"

  Everyone laughed, though Jessica now seemed torn between the car and the food. When the final guests came through the front door and had champagne handed to each of them, Roger proposed a toast.

  "Our family is fucked up, but it's still family and I'm glad for each of you." He swore so rarely that everyone just cheered, glasses clinking. Jessica set hers aside and went straight to the food.

  "Y'all don't mind, right?" She said as she popped a cheese cube in her mouth. "I forgot to eat breakfast."

  As everyone mingled, Simon pulled Amanda to the side. It was strange, getting to know his lover's adult daughter. He was still old enough to have kids, so seeing Jessica's face replicated in a beautiful young woman was unreal.

  "Here," he pressed the envelope into her hand. "It's first class, too."

  She was brimming with excitement. "And mom doesn't know?"

  He shook his head. "Not yet. In a second." Simon hugged Amanda quickly. "Thank you for your blessing."

  She shrugged. She had her mother's red hair but the Taylor blue eyes. "I'm happy she's finally happy. She's always put me first, and I'll always love her for that, but she's too young to just be sitting at home with an empty nest. Although," Amanda's eyes twinkled, "I guess that's about to change."

  It was.

  Simon gave her another quick kiss on the cheek and then went to collect. Dallas and Mariel were standing close, linked together at the hip. Simon marveled how he no longer felt jealousy over the success of his brothers in their love lives. He knew now what it was like and was happy he could see it mirrored in them.

  "My keys," he said sternly.

  Dallas smiled and tossed them to him. "It really is a sweet ride," he sighed. "Thanks for letting me borrow it."

  Simon smirked. "I didn't have a lot of choice in the investment, if I remember correctly."

  He'd received his money back. Roger had even reimbursed him for the tickets and clothing-- but not the car. Simon had decided to keep it. Because they were brothers, the loaned money was no longer from a special interest group and Roger wasn't in danger of getting pegged for accepting bribes.

  Jessica came over, a handful of grapes in her hand. She still took time to kiss Simon, her lips sweet and wet with juice. He made a mental note to bring food back into the bedroom. "Hey there, stranger," she sighed.

  "Hey. Got you something," he whispered as he handed her the keys. Her eyes became large moons.

  "What?" She stared at the keys, the iconic horse on a keychain staring back at her.

  "It's yours. But we'll want to take it somewhere you can test it out."

  She just stood, mute. He laughed. "I'm thinking Vegas."

  "But it's a Ferrari," she said. He nodded. "But the shop--"

  "We hired staff for a reason," he mused. "Just a small vacation. I'm thinking some casinos, and maybe a visit to an Elvis... a marriage certificate..." he trailed off.

  Her eyes sparkled. "Are you serious?"

  "Hell yes," he growled.

  She jumped up and down, handing her grapes to Mariel and apologizing loudly. "Sorry, everyone, we have to go. Lock up when you're done!" Everyone present laughed and made bawdy jokes as Jessica grabbed his hand and they were outside in a flash, climbing into the butter-smooth leather seats.

  "Have you ever driven a car like this before?" Simon asked warily.

  "Nope! Good thing we can afford the speeding tickets," she laughed as she revved the engine.

  Just like that, they were off.

  Epilogue

  It was just as he’d imagined. They were flying down the highway in speeds in excess of 100mph. The windows down, the wind whipping their hair. Jessica would sometimes lean her head back and whoop with joy.

  As the sun began to set the world was painted in color. Oranges and reds so deep Simon wouldn’t have believed it had he not been looking at it with his own eyes. The sky was blazing and the heat had baked a salt crust on their skin. Without a warning he pounded the brakes and whipped the wheel, sending them into a spin.

  Only a car as sexy as this one could handle that drift, tires peeling but traction remaining, barely a groan from the metal frame. Driving this car was almost as good as sex.

  Almost.

  “What are you doing, you maniac?” Jessica cried, but her voice held the edge of adrenaline and pleasure that just made him smile.

  “I’m about to screw you on the hood of this car,” he said, gazing at her. His stare was relentless and she shifted uncomfortably in her seat. Her chest began to heave with quickened breath and he knew she was already hot for him.

  “Here? In the middle of the freaking desert?” She whimpered.

  “MmmHmmm,” he said as he turned off the car and began to unbuckle his seat.

  “Someone might come.” She was squirming, squeezing her thighs together. Simon inhaled and could smell her salty lust in the air. He moved over as best he could and began to unbuckle her jeans. She slid lower in her seat and spread her legs despite all of her protests.

  He slid his hand into her pants, fingertips brushing the soft curls of her mons. She hummed in pleasure next to him, encouraging. His fingers slid into her folds, finding her soaking wet and hot. Her hips wiggled and so he reached over with his free arm and pinned them. It was awkward for his body, twisted over the center console, but this way he was close enough to almost taste the sweet ocean scent of her.

  “Simon,” she sighed, half-resisting his hand pinning her down. The fingers inside of her began a slow, lazy dance.

  “Amanda said you were too young to be an empty nester,” he murmured in her ear. “She gave her blessing for our marriage.”

  Her head tilted back, her lips parting as she breathed and rocked into the sensation he was bringi
ng her. “Oh, I know. She wasn’t talking about you, though.” She moaned and spread her legs further, inviting him deeper into her.

  Simon slowed his touch, though. “What do you mean?”

  Her body began to tense. She was close to climax. “I mean,” she said between pants, her tongue slipping out to moisten sun-dried lips, “that you’re going to be a step-father, an uncle, and a dad.”

  He pinched her clit without thinking, rubbing the swollen nub between his fingers even as her words registered. He’d already laughed about being Amanda’s uncle and stepfather, but…

  Father.

  He was going to be a dad. He was going to get a chance to be the figure who’d been missing from his life. Jessica stole a heavy-lidded glance at him, worry lines forming even as she cried out in her climax, bucking against his hands.

  “Please,” she gasped, begging, “Say something!” And she came again because he was thinking about what she’d said and not the hand that was instinctually stroking her, earning another climax.

  “I’m thinking this is the best thing I’ve ever heard, and the scariest. Are you okay with it?” He asked, tentatively. After all, she already had one grown child. He couldn’t imagine her wanting to raise another child.

  “I’m elated,” she said, brow perspiring anew. “Because it’s with you, I’m completely elated.”

  His heart jumped in his chest, threatening to burst from his throat. “But aren’t you worried? My past… my father…”

  “Don’t be stupid,” she said as she opened her door. He watched her get out and come around to his side of the car. She opened his door. “You’ll be the best dad. You’ll love him or her completely and you’ll protect them fiercely.”

  He let her pull him out of the car. His mind was still foggy with the news and possibilities of fatherhood.

  “Simon,” she pulled up and whispered in his ear. “You aren’t a dad, yet. We’ve got seven months to be married and together before the baby comes.” She licked his throat and his balls clenched, his cock threatening to burst from his pants. “Surely you have something incredibly kinky you were planning to do with me on the hood of this sweet, sweet ride.”